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It all began Wednesday morning, November 20, 2013. While performing my normal search routine for any and all bobblehead-related content, I came across a Forbes article titled “PBS: Video Of Einstein Bobblehead Assaulting Marie Curie Is Not Okay.” Knowing that Einstein is one of our most popular bobbleheads, I decided to check the video to see if it was in fact our bobble and sure enough it was the Royal Bobbles Einstein.

I hopped on Twitter and Social Mention to find out if the article had gained any traction. After a quick search using the keyword phrase “Einstein bobblehead,” I discovered the social media outrage to be at a fever pitch. Bobbleheads.com had nothing to do with the video in question (which has since been pulled off of YouTube) but I felt it was important to address the matter via Twitter. A couple of back and forth replies from the Twitterverse led to a realization they’re simply weren’t enough bobbleheads of female scientists in existence. Demand is going to generate supply so, sensing an opportunity, I asked the question on Twitter:

Which female scientists would you like to see become bobbleheads?

Several powerful influencers in the Twitter science community, including the author of the Forbes article, stepped up for the cause and pushed the question out to their thousands of followers. Replies, mentions, and retweets began rolling in by the hundreds. We received close to 100 female scientist bobblehead nominees. Again, sensing the momentum of this movement and not wanting to lose the spark, I compiled the results in an Excel spreadsheet and tallied the results Thursday morning. I took the 7 most popular lady scientists and created a poll for our website using PollDaddy. The poll was placed on a newly created landing page too. Once the landing page and poll were tested, I shared a link to the page with those powerful influencers on Twitter who I had collaborated with the day prior. Again, they did an outstanding job of spreading the word.

The poll was posted around 1:00 PM EST Thursday November 21, 2013. Using Google Analytics real-time analytics feature, I was able to monitor the site and page visits as the afternoon progressed. HootSuite also enabled me to engage with the hundreds of questions and comments pouring onto our timeline. Participants were very appreciative of the timely responses and interaction. By midnight, the numbers were already staggering. Granted, the poll and landing page had only been in existence for 11 hours but here’s a snapshot of the results:

Total Website Visits for Bobbleheads.com on 11/21/2013: 3,406*

Visits via Social Referral: 1,730*

Twitter Referrals: 1,228*

Facebook Referrals: 306*

Tumblr Referrals: 185*

Poll Votes: 1,100+

*Bobbleheads.com Single Day Record

These visits resulted in a sales boost for our retail and custom bobblehead products. However, the best part of this adventure has been fan interaction and engagement. Who knew before Wednesday there was such demand for bobbleheads of famous female scientists. We now have ideas for a brand new product line backed by enormous consumer demand. These events really speak to the power of social media. When you’re able to ask the right questions AND listen to the people, magic can happen.

*This content can be viewed with images at Bobbleheads.com | View Page

It all started with Dwight on The Office…

Bobbleheads have exploded onto the office scene as employees (and bosses) look for ways to liven up their work space. Some people even refer to their bobbles as “work toys.” It makes sense, seeing as that bobbleheads are supposed to be fun and entertaining. Unfortunately, many don’t associate “work” with “fun” so bobbleheads provide a moment of levity during the daily grind.

Perhaps taking the place of stress balls, bobbleheads can be found on the desktops of employees in Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike. The approving nature of these figures can be soothing. A bobblehead is the consummate “yes man,” always nodding with approval. It thinks your idea is great. It thinks you deserve that promotion and a raise. From Einstein to President Obama, they all agree you’re Employee of the Month.

Studies show making your office or workspace more personal can improve productivity. As with anything, moderation is the key. There’s no need to clutter your space but a couple of knick knacks, like a bobblehead, won’t hurt. Besides, your desk says something about you. It makes a personal statement. You can be hard-working and fun at the same time. Show coworkers and management you’re more than just spreadsheets and TPS reports.

Whatever your interests are outside of work, there’s a bobblehead associated with it. If you’re a sports fan, teams have bobbleheads for the mascots and players in most cases. What about book enthusiasts? Take your pick of many famous authors like Shakespeare, Twain, and Poe. Maybe TV and movies are more your style. There’s bound to be a bobblehead available for your favorite characters. History buffs are also in luck because of easy access to Presidents, politicians, war heroes, and other historical figures.

It’s been well documented the majority of people hate their jobs. The office can be a dull and dreadful place. If you must spend 40 hours a week there minimum, why not brighten it up a bit with a bobblehead or two. It could make the office bearable and boost productivity.